Former PSL star Ryan Botha might look almost unrecognisable to some after the ex-Moroka Swallows star went through a phenomenal body transformation following his retirement.
The story
It is not unusual for retired footballers to go through a complete body makeover once they have hung up their boots. 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup winners Fernando Torres and Mesut Ozil, respectively, almost look unrecognisable now that both players decided to gain incredible muscle once they left the professional game.
There have been some examples of this incredible transformation in South Africa as well, with former Orlando Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi looking distinctly more buff once he called time on his playing career.
Read: Sundowns star finally meets his match?
Notably, Botha is perhaps one of the shiniest examples of this underrated trend of keeping fit and healthy during post-retirement.
The Durban-born former pro is best-remembered for his nomadic career, not only in the PSL but abroad as well. Both began his profession in the late 1990s with SuperSport United and he would go on to represent Bidvest Wits, Jomo Cosmos, Thanda Royal Zulu, Swallows, Platinum Stars, and Vasco Da Gama towards the backend of his career.
Between 2001 and 2007, Botha had several stints abroad with Tervarit Oulu, MYPA, FC Inter, and Kokkolan PV in Greece, whilst he also played for Denizlispor in Turkey, Odd Grenlandin Norway, as well as EN Paralimniou in Cyprus.
For those who have been keeping track of Botha's whereabouts, his body makeover will come as no surprise, as he is the co-founder and trainer at RYDA Gym and The Movement Empire. When the 42-year-old isn't doing the hard yards in the gym, you can find him coaching in the Cape Town-based iShosholoza Football Academy. Botha's also holds a Scottish UEFA B license.
Read: 'Pitso's players failed him dismally'
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.